Libraries for LIFE Capital Campaign

Did you know that library buildings are also central community anchors? Each of our 19 neighborhood locations is intimately connected with the people and the community it serves.

• More people visit Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh than attend Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates games.
• The Library's economic impact study revealed that customers spend a total of $9.8 million to $15.6 million annually at nearby businesses.
• The Library generates more than $132 million in economic return and value to our region each year.
• If library customers were to purchase the books they borrow, the estimated annual cost to them would be $27 million. If library customers were to pay $3 to rent the DVDs and videos they borrow, the estimated annual cost to them would be $2 million.

To serve our region well, library facilities need to fit their communities' needs. By donating to our Libraries for LIFE Capital Campaign you assure that all of our locations are accessible and continue to be anchors in the community.

What is the difference between operating and capital budgets?

All organizations spend money for operating and capital purposes. For the Library, operating funds cover materials and collections, staff costs, utilities, routine maintenance and similar items. Capital funds cover major improvements to new or renovated facilities such as a new roof, heating and ventilation and other non-routine outlays.

The two budgets are separate and funders often specify which budget they support. For Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the majority of our operating dollars come from sales tax revenues, via the Allegheny Regional Asset District. Donations to our Capital Campaign are restricted to renovate, build or relocate facilities.